Sixers' Markelle Fultz: 'I'm pretty good with the ball in my hands'

Sixers' Markelle Fultz: 'I'm pretty good with the ball in my hands'

There’s a popular consensus on how the Philadelphia 76ers should go about utilizing second-year guard Markelle Fultz. The only problem is that it seems head coach Brett Brown isn’t overly interested in going that direction.

If data and the eye-test backed up starting Fultz at shooting guard next to Ben Simmons, it’d be easy to keep things how they are, but they don’t. The Sixers’ top pick in the 2017 NBA Draft has looked far better running the show, whether it be as a starter when Simmons was out, or with the second unit. His confidence was higher and overall, he looked like a different player.

And after the team’s tough overtime loss to the Detroit Pistons this week, Fultz spoke to the media and was asked about how his game is different when the ball is in his hands.

“I’m pretty good with the ball in my hands … I just realize how talented I am and just to keep working.” Fultz told reporters.

He’s not wrong. Fultz played just 21 minutes in that game for what Brown attributed to “defensive reasons,” but it was arguably his best showing of the season. Fultz shot 66.7 percent from the field, scoring 13 points and grabbing six rebounds. The 20-year-old was more decisive, assertive and even looked for his shot more often.

While there’s been no word of Fultz moving to the second unit and running point there, it would make sense. I understand there’s a confidence that comes from being a starter, but the Sixers may benefit in a big way on the offensive end by making this move.